Zurich launches support for employees affected by domestic abuse

Zurich in the UK has launched a new policy to support employees who are living with, survivors of, or trying to escape abusive relationships. It has been developed with charity partner Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service, to support people who disclose concerns, providing specialist help.

This comes as data published by the ONS in November shows that 2.4 million adults in England and Wales ¹ experienced domestic abuse last year – which equates to around one in five people. Those experiencing abuse faced not just violence, but threatening behaviour, financial or coercive control.

The business recognises that the shift to hybrid working, might mean the removal of work as a safe space for the whole working week, for those who may need it. More home working also means signs of abuse are harder to detect. The policy has been introduced to acknowledge the insurer’s duty of care to its 4,500 UK employees.

Eight sessions with an external domestic abuse consultant

The support available to employees includes up to eight sessions with external domestic abuse consultant Caroline Glass who can offer one to one advice, counselling and support. Zurich is also providing special paid leave and emergency loans for those needing to escape abuse.

Training to spot signs of abuse

The policy features awareness sessions, training and a toolkit for managers to help them to recognise signs of abuse as well as supporting employees in the event of disclosure. Managers also have access to specific support helplines that provide advice and guidance.

Workplace support includes a commitment to support redeployment if necessary, support with temporary or permanent changes to working times and location, plus more time in an office environment if requested. Staff also have access to additional counselling through its Employee Assistance Programme.

Signposting for the perpetrator

Zurich’s approach also covers situations where there are concerns that an employee is a perpetrator of abuse. This includes signposting for those seeking support about their behaviour. The policy also covers guidance where both abused and perpetrator work for the business.

Commenting, Steve Collinson, Chief HR Officer for Zurich UK said:

“We know that for many people, work is a safe space where they can escape things like domestic abuse. But given changes to how we now work, hybrid working presents additional challenges. Our policy is designed to raise awareness and understanding of this issue and to create an environment where those who are suffering abuse feel that they can disclose it and discuss the support they need.”

Kate Rowland, Training Manager, Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service said:

“The launch of a bespoke domestic abuse policy is very welcome news from Zurich, which we hope will encourage others to take action. Domestic abuse can impact people from all walks of life, unfortunately they're often reluctant to come forward for help. Proactive initiatives like this not only help those who are or who have been abused, it can also help prevent further incidents by referring perpetrators to specialist services too.”

Zurich’s abusive relationships policy includes:

• Training for people managers and other stakeholders which is being rolled out across the UK business – delivered in partnership with Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service.
• Awareness raising session for all employees - delivered in partnership with Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service.
• A policy and toolkit for managers with access to a specific support line to advise them on how to approach disclosures.
• Up to eight one to one sessions with a domestic abuse consultant for those affected.
• Paid leave of up to five days for those affected to make arrangements for challenges such as childcare, meeting specialist agencies or seeking alternative accommodation.
• Emergency financial assistance such as advance payment of salary or emergency loans.
• Support with temporary or permanent changes to working times and locations.
• Flexibility in working arrangements including additional time in an office environment if required.
• Commitment to support redeployment if necessary.
• Access to counselling and support services through Zurich’s Employee Assistance Programme.
• Signposting to specialist organisations through the company’s internal Wellbeing Hub.

The insurer has joined the Employers Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA) to share best practice with other organisations, raise more awareness and use the influence of employers to drive change.

¹ Domestic abuse in England and Wales overview - Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)